Out in the Deep (Lili’s Review)

Title: Out in the Deep (Out in College #1)Author: Lane HayesPublisher: Self-PublishedRelease Date: August 26, 2018Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, New AdultPage Count: 149 pages/ 41,000 wordsReviewed by: LiliHeat Level:3.5 flames out of 5Rating:5 stars out of 5

Blurb:

Derek Vaughn is a little too serious. He’s a type A control personality with a penchant for order and a love of water polo. But he’s determined to enjoy his last year of college. The real world with a serious job and big expectations can wait for a few months. He’s going soak up every minute on campus with his friends and teammates before he moves on. The only possible kink in his plan is the new guy on the team… also known as his nemesis.

Gabe Chadwick has big Olympic dreams. His transfer between Southern California universities has nothing to do with scholastics. The degree is his backup plan. He’s not there to party or make friends. And he certainly isn’t going to announce his sexuality. But he can’t deny there’s something special about the uptight team captain. However, when an unwitting friendship and mutual attraction collide, both will have to decide if this is the real thing or if they’re about to lose it all in the deep.

Out In the Deep by Lane Hayes is precisely the type of story I enjoy getting lost in. It’s about two college athletes who are still closeted. While at first, they have a massive rivalry they soon have to find a way to work together since they both end up playing for the same team–> in more ways than one. 😀

Highlights:

-I love New Adult but admit to steering clear of them because sometimes authors throw so many problems that the angst feels unnecessary and forced. Derek and Gabe both have issues to resolve, but overall the story is low angst and has a feel-good vibe. I admit, I was worried there would be unnecessary ex-drama, but it didn’t escalate to the point I thought it was going to. That would’ve ruined it for me so thankfully it didn’t.

-Opposite personalities. Derek is type A and Gabe is more laid back, and I think they complimented each other well, both in and out of the pool.

-Bisexual. As a bisexual, I always love stories with bisexual representation.